Harry and Meghan: he designs engagement ring, including thoughtful details

Royal watchers got big news last fall: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are officially engaged! They’ll be tying the knot in May 2018. Harry is the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and presently fifth in line to the British throne.

American actress Megan Markle is best known for playing Rachel Zane in the USA Network’s legal drama “Suits.” She’s also seen success in the fashion business, launching a magazine and producing her own line of clothing. On top of all that, she also does a lot of work for humanitarian causes, especially involving women’s rights, clean drinking water, and ending modern-day slavery.

The engagement ring Harry gave Meghan was made by Cleave and Company, the official jewelers to the British Crown. However, it was Harry who designed it, adding a couple of personal touches. In part, the ring is a beautiful tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana — two of the three diamonds belonged to her. The other diamond came from Botswana and there’s a backstory there. Harry and Meghan were only a few weeks into their relationship when he invited her to join him on a trip to the southern African nation.

As Meghan explained, “I think everything about Harry’s thoughtfulness and the inclusion of (Diana’s stones) and, obviously, not being able to meet his mom — it’s so important to me to know that she’s a part of this with us. It’s incredibly special to be able to have this, which sort of links where he is from and Botswana, which is important to us. It’s perfect.”

Megan’s parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland were delighted to hear their daughter was joining the British royal family. “We are incredibly happy for Meghan and Harry. Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person. To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents.”